Archive for the ‘Remembrance’ Category

Cardinal Cormac Murphy O’Connor lost his battle with cancer on September 1st. Two Year 9 students represented the school at the funeral. The procession took 20 minutes as over 350 deacons, priests, bishops and cardinals joined together to celebrate the life of a remarkable man. The cardinal’s nephew talked with fondness about the whit and dry sense of humour portrayed by uncle Cormac throughout his life.

The singing was incredible and the liturgy beautiful in both action and word. Bishop George Stack expressed the loving pastoral care that the cardinal exhibited throughout his life in an inspiring homily. Members of the Murphy-O’Connor family took part in the offertory as they remembered their uncle.

The service ended with the coffin being processed to the 10th Station of the Cross where his body will be laid to rest in the Cathedral.

Eternal rest grant to him, O Lord; and let light perpetual shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Remembrance Sunday falls on the Sunday nearest Armistice Day, 11 November, which marks the end of the First World War.

It’s particularly poignant this year as commemorations mark the 100 year anniversary of the start of World War One.

On this day we remember all those who gave their lives for their country, all who suffered and died through acts of war and those who were left behind to grieve and mourn.

In England and Wales one Mass for the Dead may be celebrated on this Sunday.

Prayer for the week
O God, merciful and strong,
who crush wars and cast down the proud,
be pleased to banish violence swiftly from our midst
and to wipe away all tears,
so that we may all truly deserve to be called your children.